There really are no details given, so there really is no way to know. I don't think anyone expected the deal to be quite as good as the last one. We will have to wait and see. He does sound like the deal will likely go ahead. Put it this way, it must be somewhat better than the alternative for the league - which is probably non existence.

I don't think they should accept any proposal that involves giving over 50% ownership to anyone.

I like the idea of three years majority ownership and if goals aren't met it gets handed back.

Theres not many other alternatives.They should roll with it or might as well shut up shop.

Well I hope there is a media release soon with the details

I guess we have to trust the board members on this one - no option, really - but I hope they take the 'devil in the detail' concept to heart and make sure there is a 'hands off' clause in there, particularly in light of the apparent shemozzle with the Melbourne 'team'... a term I use loosely in that context!

If Melbourne is an indication of how well this group's approach works in basketball the sport could well be MUCH better off with the 'devil we know' rather than whatever is in the detail of this deal, particularly if that detail means the guy with the money is running the show rather than simply providing the resources needed by the sport.

I have no problem with him running the show if there is the clause Boti has previously mentioned - if goals aren't meant ownership stake is handed back after three years.

I wrote about it in my column last week, if this is done right, we get one vision for at least three years to see what can be achieved, rather than the constant changes in direction we've had in recent years.

http://www.fiba.com/news/vision-at-last

I dont understand. The NBL is a private organisation. Someone buys 51 percent which gives them majority voting rights.

And then in 3 years later if the ship isnt sailing better you want that person to sell his now shares (worth even less) to someone else. So he basically takes the loss then leaves.

No maka da sense!

Wise words, as always, Paul.

Maybe we'll get a free xbox one with our NBL League Pass next season?

Thanks Mookie!

I think people get a bit dizzy when they talk about prime time NBL on TV.

Does the NBL really present a package worth a broadcaster not only taking a punt on, but giving it prime time? I really do not think so.

There is more to making a successful sports league or TV product than simply shoving it on TV at the right time and watch the cash grow.

To start with, the NBL is generally pretty ugly on TV. There are only 2 or 3 stadiums which are up to snuff visually. I know that sounds like nitpicking, but the look of the stadium will be the first thing people notice. No one is expecting NBA level, but could the stadiums not clean themselves up to a, say, Hisense arena level or something?

Another, ugly camera angles - this has some hope though. There were 2 games last season, in PErth, where they actually bothered to present the thing professionally and it worked. One of those games was one of the best games of the season. But this cant just be at Perth, this has to be everywhere.

Another issue, the play. NBL games tend to be ugly. The officiating needs to change to fix this, and we need to keep good imports coming here.

And even if we tick all of these boxes, we might still only have a slightly larger niche market. If we throw the games on at Prime time, chances are we will be the least watched show on the slot. What broadcaster in their right mind is going to want to show that?

We need to actually build support BEFORE we go for prime time. This is where a strong public, and social media presence would help. This is where we need to accept 3 or 4 games a week, at times which are a bit out of prime time. We do not have the bargaining power to ask for prime time.

To start with, the NBL is generally pretty ugly on TV. There are only 2 or 3 stadiums which are up to snuff visually.

wollongong, snakepit, townsville, sydney are hideous on TV. Adelaide could use a clean up, Melbourne is okay, Perth is great, and NZ is good in their good arena but below average at their crap one.

The 'NBL product' on TV can look a lot better with the following improvements:

1. More instant replays.
2. Better camera angles.
3. More camera angles.
4. Better lighting.
5. More action such as cheer leaders during breaks.
6. Better or more entertaining commentary.
7. More stories or player bios and basketball facts.
8. Increasing the crowd involvement, boosting crowd noise.
9. Suitable and common sense music pre game and during games.
10. Action, action action! Prepare better and deliver what people want...

Basketball is an action sport, we can view it with cameras everywhere, not just one up in the stands to follow the ball. If Larry can bring the bling and introduce the cash needed to spring the game to life on TV I am all for it and I have confidence it can work.

Not sure who is the biggest idiot...
Kestleman, for making this stupid proposal?
Boti, for constantly talking up an offer that seems to exist only in his blog?
Or the posters going "yeah the NBL must accept it" without having the slightest clue what the offer actually is?

Here is what we actually KNOW:

nothing...

And we may never know any more.
If an offer had been made and accepted, then I expect there will be announcements in due course. Until then, I will reserve judgement.

We only have Boti's claim that a $7M offer was ever made (and the "details" Boti provided of that supposed offer were ludicrous.) Now we have Boti's claim that a $5M offer has been made?

The monumental promises that supposedly accompanied the original offer simply establish that either Boti or Kestleman is full of shit. Not sure which...

I am cyncial mostly because every 2nd thread on here during the season was critical of their rebranding and running of Melbourne, and now he wants to run the entire league?

The notion that he is offering cash for control of the league, but will then give back control in 3 years is nonsensical.

I come back to the point that profitability of the NBL itself (ie "National Basketball League Pty Ltd") is not the issue. They get first dibs on all revenue, and can set their franchise fees at whatever level they need. The problem is always the viability of the teams. Townsville is on its arse, Wollongong is still bust, and most teams make a loss. Is he promising that all teams will be profitable within 3 years?!??
Problem is that short of simply bailing them out, there's not much he can do to turn around all their fortunes in such a short space of time.
Basically, there is NO magical short-term fix.

wollongong, snakepit, townsville, sydney are hideous on TV.

Perth Arena and Adelaide Arena are probably the two best on TV

Adelaide, when full looks very good. The arena itself is OK if not a bit dated looking.

Wollongong has the most ideal NBL venue going. Their problem is that they can't get anywhere close to filling it. Which makes it look bland.

Most of the venues are pretty reasonable I think, with Perth Arena, Hisense, and Vector the standouts.

NBL Chair Graeme Wade spoke on Melbourne SEN to Andrew Gaze this morning. He was very positive about the future of the league and had a fair bit to say.

Here is what I can recall:

The Crocs are fincnially sound and will be in again next season, the Hawks are going to be a lock also, just waiting for confirmation.

The Kestleman deal is good for everyone and will not be a confilct of interest because the basketball managament of the league and the board will be two different entities essentially doing what each does best.

A TV deal is looking very much like going ahead, 'they are all over us and we are all over them', he said.

Lots of changes are happening and Wade has been very busy with all of the changes, can't wait to read about these...

The NBL is talking to some very gib sponsors and things are looking bright here as well.

Looks like the NBL is an 8 team competition again next season folks, let's be positive about it all again now shall we...

very big sponsors... :)